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The Nyungar Tourist Trail is located within an important traditional gathering place for the Nyungar people at Port Coogee. The trail features Ngarkal (Seagull) Beach and The Lookout plus Kidogo Glass Artworks. The trail also includes signage and an audio facility that shares important Aboriginal stories. The Trail is part of the City’s strong commitment towards promoting reconciliation.

Take a walk around Wardan Gepa Boodjaralup (the sea shore) at Port Coogee, hear stories in traditional Nyungar language and learn more about the history of the region through the Nyungar Tourist Trail.

Local Nyungar people camped at Port Coogee beach and it was known as ‘Seagull Camp’. For Nyungar people, gulls play an important spiritual role, from back before the sea levels rose, when Wadjemup (Rottnest), Meeandip (Garden) and Ngoorloormayup (Carnac) islands were coastal hills. Gulls now maintain the spiritual link by flying between Nyungar country on the mainland, and the islands.

This spot high on the hill overlooks the coast. It is planted with Casuarina trees, a significant tree for the Nyungar people. These were used for making spears, the trunks for attracting grubs for eating, and the liquid helped with toothaches. The trees are pollinated by the wind, which whispers through the canopy. The Nyungar word for Casuarina tree is ‘kwel’

You will find The Lookout at the corner of Bombay Heights and Podman Loop, by walking up the path to the hill.